T he Great Wall of China, a symbol of ancient civilization, stretches across the northern borders, standing as a testament to over two millennia of history. Despite its grandeur, what remains today is only a fraction of its former self, as time and natural forces have taken their toll on the structure.

They have been charged with destroying a cultural relic, Chinese authorities released this image of damage done to the Great Wall in Shanxi province. Two Chinese construction workers looking for a shortcut last month destroyed part of the country's Great Wall by driving heavy machinery through it, authorities say.

‘Irreversible damage’ done to Great Wall of China by workers looking for shortcut: police Damaged section of the Great Wall of China in Youyu County. Youyu County Public Security Bureau Two people have been detained in a northern Chinese county after local police say a portion of the Great Wall of China was destroyed with an excavator.

A section of China’s Great Wall has suffered “irreversible damage” because of construction workers looking for a shortcut, according to a statement from local authorities. Police in Youyu County, in the northern province of Shanxi, have detained two suspects in connection with the damage: a 38-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman.